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Side-by-Side Comparison|Updated March 2026

SBI Card MILES ELITE vs Air India SBI Signature Card

Detailed comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and value to help you choose the right credit card for your spending pattern.

SBI Card

SBI Card MILES ELITE

8.2/10
Annual Fee₹4,999
Base Rewards1%
NetworkMastercard
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SBI Card

Air India SBI Signature Card

7.2/10
Annual Fee₹4,999
Base Rewards0.25%
NetworkVisa
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Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureSBI Card MILES ELITEAir India SBI Signature Card
Annual Fee₹4,999₹4,999
Joining Fee₹4,999₹4,999
Fee Waiver Spend₹15,00,000N/A
Base Reward Rate1%0.25%
Reward CurrencyTravel CreditsReward Points / Maharaja Points
NetworkMastercardVisa
Editor Rating8.2/107.2/10
Forex Markup3.5%3.5%

Pros & Cons

SBI Card MILES ELITE

Pros

  • High 3% reward rate on travel spends (6 Travel Credits per ₹200).
  • 1:1 conversion ratio for Travel Credits to Air Miles and Hotel Points with major partners.
  • Unique spend-linked domestic lounge access (1 extra visit per ₹1 Lakh spend).
  • Low foreign currency markup of 1.99%, ideal for international travelers.

Cons

  • High annual fee of ₹4,999 with a steep waiver threshold of ₹15 Lakhs.
  • Lounge access is capped per quarter (2 visits), which may be restrictive for frequent flyers.
  • Air Accident insurance coverage was discontinued as of July 2025.

Air India SBI Signature Card

Pros

  • High welcome bonus of 20,000 Reward Points worth up to ₹20,000 in Air India miles.
  • Accelerated 10 Reward Points per ₹100 spent on Air India ticket bookings.
  • Generous milestone benefits offering up to 1,00,000 bonus points annually.
  • 1:1 conversion ratio from Reward Points to Air India Maharaja Points (Air Miles).

Cons

  • High annual fee of ₹4,999 with no standard spend-based waiver.
  • Reward rate on Air India tickets was recently reduced from 30 to 10 points per ₹100.
  • International lounge access via Priority Pass is not complimentary (usage fee applies).

Our Verdict

SBI Card MILES ELITE edges ahead overall with a stronger combination of rewards and value. However, Air India SBI Signature Card could be the better pick if its specific category strengths match your spending habits.

Choose SBI Card MILES ELITE if

High reward rates on flights and hotels with 1:1 mile conversion across multiple airlines.

Choose Air India SBI Signature Card if

Best value for those who frequently book Air India flights and can maximize the 1:1 mile conversion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: SBI Card MILES ELITE or Air India SBI Signature Card?
SBI Card MILES ELITE edges ahead overall with a stronger combination of rewards and value. However, Air India SBI Signature Card could be the better pick if its specific category strengths match your spending habits.
What is the annual fee difference between SBI Card MILES ELITE and Air India SBI Signature Card?
SBI Card MILES ELITE has an annual fee of ₹4,999, while Air India SBI Signature Card has an annual fee of ₹4,999. SBI Card MILES ELITE offers a fee waiver on ₹15,00,000 annual spend.
Which card has better rewards: SBI Card MILES ELITE or Air India SBI Signature Card?
SBI Card MILES ELITE offers a base reward rate of 1%. Air India SBI Signature Card offers 0.25% base rewards. The better choice depends on your primary spending categories.
Can I have both SBI Card MILES ELITE and Air India SBI Signature Card?
Yes, many users hold multiple credit cards to maximize rewards across different spending categories. SBI Card MILES ELITE and Air India SBI Signature Card can complement each other if they cover different reward categories.
Which card is better for beginners: SBI Card MILES ELITE or Air India SBI Signature Card?
For beginners, SBI Card MILES ELITE may be more approachable with a lower annual fee of ₹4,999. However, evaluate based on your expected spending pattern rather than fee alone.

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